What is ISO/IEC 17025?
The accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standard is a formal recognition of the technical and organizational competence of a laboratory or company to execute tests or calibrations, which rely on several critical parameters and processes. It is awarded by an independent third-party of an international standing. The ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, serves as a global benchmark and guarantees international validity of the equipment results going forward.
ISO/IEC 17025 vs ISO 9001
Unlike ISO 9001 certification, laboratory accreditation uses criteria and procedures specifically designed to establish professional competence and thereby assure clients that the calibration or measurement data provided by the laboratory or inspection service is accurate and credible.
Why is the serial number of my display unit (Equotip 550 Universal Platform / Equotip3) not listed on the calibration certificate?
Only the calibrated hardness testing probes are listed on the calibration certificate. The calibration is carried out with our reference instruments, which are traceable to national standards and are listed on the certificate. This way we can ensure that the probes (LEEB Probe / UCI Probe) measure correctly. The traceability to national standards is therefore guaranteed. The complete measurement system consisting of the hardness testing probe and display unit can be verified by using an accredited calibrated hardness test block.
Why ISO/IEC 17025 is important?
Compliance to ISO/IEC 17025 isn’t compulsory and is only awarded to top-class laboratories. The ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation also serves as a global benchmark and guarantees international validity of the equipment results going forward. Adding another level of confidence and trust in accredited calibration labs, the standard also fosters preventive management and continuous improvement cycles to elevate the excellence as far as humanly possible. The trustworthy results certified by ISO/IEC 17025 are the key to customer satisfaction and the acceptance of the laboratory as an independent test facility. The standard compliance of the laboratory is regularly confirmed over time by an external audits.
Does the ISO/IEC 17025 support the IATF 16949 compliance for automotive industry?
Yes! Absolutely. The ISO/IEC 17025 faciliates the compliance with IATF 16949.
IATF 16949 strictly requires a documented process for managing calibrations (section 7.1.5.2.1) and the complying organisation shall ensure that calibration activities and records must include the statement of conformity to specification after calibration. The explanatory note of IATF 16949 (7.1.5.3.1) provides information that third-party ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is useful in demonstrating the organisation's in-house compliance to the IATF 16949 requirements.